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Bass impresses early, hopes to remain healthy

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Two months and two days. That's the precise amount of time pitcher Anthony Bass spent on the disabled list in 2012 with an inflamed right shoulder.

Bass didn't need to consult a media guide to be sure, either.

"It wasn't fun," he said.

Bass would like nothing more than to go through an entire season healthy, especially after losing time in 2012, a season that started off with such promise.

Bass tossed two scoreless innings against the Reds on Tuesday in his first spring appearance. He was so efficient, throwing only 16 pitches, that he threw 12 more in the bullpen after he left the game.

"Enough to get me ready for my next start," he said.

Bass, one of several candidates in camp trying to crack the starting rotation, allowed one hit to Donald Lutz, then induced a double-play ball from Jason Donald to escape the second inning and end his day.

"My take on this whole competition is I'm going to go out and pitch my game," Bass said. "I'm going to go out there and show the team I can help them win."

Bass went 2-8 with a 4.73 ERA last season in 24 games, including 15 starts. He started fast, posting a 2.30 ERA in six April games, including four starts. He carried a shutout into the seventh inning on April 28 in San Francisco, allowing two runs in eight innings while striking out eight, but still taking a loss.

Then he went on the disabled list in June with an inflamed right shoulder.

If Bass isn't among the pitchers to make the rotation, he's shown the Padres he can pitch in relief. That versatility could come in handy, especially early in the season.